Marine Biologist Salary in Hawaii in 2025
Marine Biologist Salary in Hawaii
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Marine Biologist Salary in Hawaii (2025)
As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Marine Biologist in Hawaii is $45,087 per year, which breaks down to about $3,757 per month, $867 per week, or $21.68 per hour.
Hawaii’s thriving marine environment offers diverse opportunities for biologists working in coral reef research, ocean conservation, fisheries management, and marine wildlife rehabilitation. However, due to the state’s higher cost of living and competitive job market, salary growth opportunities may vary depending on location and specialization.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in Hawaii
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punaluu | $57,038 | $4,753 | $1,096 | $27.42 |
| Hawaii County | $46,587 | $3,882 | $895 | $22.40 |
| Kailua-Kona | $45,360 | $3,780 | $872 | $21.81 |
| Kailua | $45,192 | $3,766 | $869 | $21.73 |
| Pearl City | $45,126 | $3,760 | $867 | $21.70 |
| Waianae | $45,051 | $3,754 | $866 | $21.66 |
| Ewa Beach | $44,923 | $3,743 | $863 | $21.60 |
| Pearl Harbor | $44,779 | $3,731 | $861 | $21.53 |
| Kahului | $44,600 | $3,716 | $857 | $21.44 |
| Kealakekua | $44,476 | $3,706 | $855 | $21.38 |
Insights:
- Punaluu ranks as the highest-paying city, with salaries 26.5% above the state average.
- Hawaii County and Kailua-Kona also offer slightly higher-than-average pay, reflecting demand for marine scientists in research and coastal management.
- The salary variation between top and bottom cities is about 24%, meaning there’s relatively modest wage fluctuation across the islands.
While some coastal areas offer higher salaries, the high cost of living in Hawaii—especially in Oahu and Maui—can influence real income potential.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in Hawaii
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Biology | $87,401 | $7,283 | $1,680 | $42.02 |
| Mathematical Biology | $76,594 | $6,382 | $1,472 | $36.82 |
| Biology | $75,154 | $6,262 | $1,445 | $36.13 |
| Biology Teacher | $54,223 | $4,518 | $1,042 | $26.07 |
| Medical Biology | $46,798 | $3,899 | $899 | $22.50 |
Key Takeaways:
- Environmental Biology professionals earn nearly double the average Marine Biologist salary.
- Mathematical Biology and Biology fields are also lucrative, especially for candidates with advanced degrees or research experience.
- Teaching roles such as Biology Teacher offer stable income and strong benefits for those transitioning into education.
Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in Hawaii
Hawaii is home to world-class marine research centers, including the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, and University of Hawaii at Manoa.
The demand for marine biologists in Hawaii is projected to grow steadily through 2030, driven by the need to:
- Protect coral reef ecosystems from climate change,
- Manage sustainable fisheries, and
- Study marine biodiversity across the Pacific.
Those with skills in data analysis, GIS mapping, and coral reef restoration will have the best prospects for career advancement.
Top Searched States For Marine Biologist Salaries
High Paying States
Median Paying States
| Vermont |
| Nebraska |
| Oklahoma |
| California |
| Massachusetts |
| Alaska |
| Maine |
| Pennsylvania |
| Oregon |
| North Dakota |
| Idaho |
| New Jersey |
| Texas |
| Colorado |
| Wisconsin |
| New Hampshire |
| Wyoming |
| Nevada |
| South Dakota |
| Indiana |
| Minnesota |
| New Mexico |
| Rhode Island |
| Arizona |
| Ohio |
| Montana |
| Connecticut |
| Illinois |
| Iowa |
| Alabama |
| Mississippi |
Low Paying States
| Tennessee |
| Utah |
| South Carolina |
| North Carolina |
| Kansas |
| Georgia |
| Louisiana |
| Michigan |
| Kentucky |
| West Virginia |
| Arkansas |
| Florida |
